Ferric sodium edetate, also known as Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid Ferric Sodium or NaFeEDTA, is an odorless, highly soluble organic chelated iron compound with bioactive properties. Its physiological functions and nutritional benefits can be summarized as follows:**
I. Physiological Functions
1. Iron Supplementation:
Ferric sodium edetate is a highly efficient new-generation iron fortifier, making it an ideal iron supplement.
It has a significantly higher absorption rate than ferrous sulfate, with studies showing it is 2 to 3 times more absorbable.
As a stable chelate, ferric sodium edetate causes no gastrointestinal irritation. It remains tightly bound in the stomach and releases iron only in the duodenum for absorption, ensuring high bioavailability.
2. Promotes Absorption of Other Elements:
Ferric sodium edetate not only enhances the absorption of dietary and endogenous iron but also promotes zinc absorption without negatively affecting calcium absorption.
3. Binds Harmful Elements:
During absorption, ferric sodium edetate can bind with harmful radioactive metal elements in the body, facilitating their rapid excretion and acting as a detoxifier.
II. Nutritional Benefits
1. Nutritional Fortification:
Ferric sodium edetate is widely used in food products, health supplements, and dairy products as a nutrient fortifier.
It increases the iron content in foods, thereby enhancing their nutritional value.
2. Safety:
Ferric sodium edetate is classified as a "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS) substance with no significant toxic or side effects.
Its stability and dissolution properties ensure safe usage within the human body.
3. Improves Anemia:
Supplementing with ferric sodium edetate can effectively improve anemia symptoms.
Studies have shown that adding Ferric sodium edetate to fortified foods significantly reduces anemia prevalence.
In summary,ferric sodium edetate primarily exhibits physiological functions such as iron supplementation, promoting the absorption of other elements, and binding harmful elements. Its nutritional benefits include fortification, high safety, and anemia improvement. As a result, ferric sodium edetate has broad application prospects in the food and health product industries.